Study of the ecotoxicological effect of Tartrazine on survival and behavior in the water flea

Abstract

This experimental and quantitative study, conducted in the laboratory of the Universidad Privada del Norte-Cajamarca, focused on analysing the ecotoxicological impact of tartrazine (synthetic azo dye E102), present in commercial mustards, on the survival and behavior of water fleas (Daphnia magna). Daphnia magna is a bioindicator sensitive to aquatic toxicity, and the objective was to provide evidence of the risk posed by this emerging contaminant when released into aquatic ecosystems. To this end, Daphnia magna neonates were exposed to solutions of three brands of mustard (A, B, C) and a control group (distilled water) for 15 days. The results demonstrated an acute and significant toxic effect, with total mortality (100%) recorded in the mustard treatments by day 13 of exposure. In addition tolethality, morphological changes were observed, such as intense yellow pigmentation of the body, loss of transparency, deformation of the shell, and reduced mobility. In conclusion, the findings confirm that the concentrations of tartrazine present in commercial products may exceed ecotoxiclevels, posing a potential risk to aquatic ecosystems and highlighting the need to regulate the discharge of these synthetic dyes.